Sociology

College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Dean: Joseph Julian

Department of Sociology
HSS 370
415-338-1466
Chair: Rachel Kahn-Hut

Faculty

Professors—Cavan, Kahn-Hut, Seashore, Thalheimer

Associate Professor—Hossfeld

Assistant Professors—Barbosa, Dumont

Programs

B.A. in Sociology

Minor in Sociology

Program Scope

Sociology is the study of the sources and consequences of human social action. Courses cover a broad range of topics from the study of individuals as social actors, the investigation of social institutions such as family, medical systems, and educational establishments to the organization of entire societies in the global context. By addressing what we know, how we know (method of social research), and how we explain or interpret social data (theory and analysis), sociology provides information which students can use to better understand the complexity and multiplicity of social worlds, their own society and their place in it. The department offers a variety of courses of interest to non-majors as well as to majors.

Career Outlook

Upon completion of a B.A. in Sociology, students can continue their education with graduate work in either sociology or in some related field such as social work, public administration, or law. For students who choose to pursue employment with their bachelor's degree, sociology provides an excellent liberal arts foundation for a range of career paths that utilize their sociological insights as well as the conceptual and methodological skills they have acquired. Training in sociology can open a variety of doors in the human services and in business. Those who enter human services may work with youths at risk, the elderly, or people experiencing problems related to poverty, substance abuse, or the justice system. Some find employment in agencies that work for social change including various organizations concerned with human rights issues or the environment. Sociology majors who enter the business world work in sales, marketing, customer relations, or human resources.

In addition, the sociology major has a competitive advantage in today's information society. The solid base received in research design, data analysis, statistics, and sociological concepts enables them to compete for support positions in research, policy analysis, program evaluation, and other social science endeavors.